This exhibition showcases the work of Western Sydney University’s Dr Ricky Spencer, Associate Professor of Ecology in the School of Science and Health and a School-based member of Hawkesbury Institute of the Environment.

Dr Spencer has been instrumental in the Citizen Science project (TurtleSAT) which uses Survey and Analysis Tools (SAT) for monitoring and managing turtle biodiversity. He is also the co-lead of citizen science conversation project 1 Million Turtles (1MT), 1MT uses the TurtleSAT app to involve citizen scientists in hands-on activities such as habitat construction and restoration, nest protection and fox management. Emphasising science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) literacy and First Nations knowledge, the Australia-wide program has influenced policy and saved over 1000 freshwater turtles and 200 nests in 2022 alone.

Australia's freshwater turtles are under serious threat, and they need our help for survival. Evidence now suggests that many turtle species are declining across vast areas of Australia due to drought, fox predation and human activities. To ensure their survival, some important data needs to be gathered, and it needs to be gathered quickly. Australia's turtle populations need your help so there can be appropriate safeguards put in place to protect turtles into the future.

 You can assist scientists by recording where you see turtles, where you see their nests, where turtles are seen or killed on the road, or evidence of turtles.

Visit https://www.turtlesat.org.au/ to start mapping turtles. 

To learn more about Dr Spencer's work and how you can get involved visit: https://1millionturtles.com/

This exhibition runs from May to July in the Penrith Library exhibition space. Please check our website for current opening hours.